Online shopping has changed the way people search for and purchase the things they need and desire. With the rise of e-commerce platforms and increased internet accessibility, consumers can now explore an endless array of products from around the globe with just a few clicks. However, even though cross-border commerce has opened up exciting opportunities for discovering unique items, it also presents challenges that can make many Filipinos reluctant to try it out.
Shipping costs, delivery times, and potential customs fees can make international purchases seem daunting for first-timers. Concerns about the reliability of sellers and the security of online transactions may also add to their hesitation. This article aims to empower you with the knowledge and strategies you need to make international online shopping a seamless experience, allowing you to fully enjoy the excitement and advantages of global shopping.
Ensure You’re Buying from a Reputable Store
When venturing into international online shopping, always make sure that you’re buying from reputable stores. Established retailers typically invest in secure online payment processing systems, ensuring your personal and financial information are protected from cyber threats like identity theft, phishing attacks, and credit card fraud. They also typically care more about their reputation and thus the quality of their products, so they typically won’t compromise on the authenticity and integrity of what they sell. Thus, shopping from reliable online stores minimizes your risk of falling victim to scams or receiving counterfeit items, which can be frustrating and costly.
One of the ways to ensure that the online store you’re browsing is trustworthy, check if its web address begins with HTTPS. This indicates that their site uses a secure encryption protocol to protect your data during transmission. Moreover, make sure to check out customer reviews to further verify the retailer’s credibility. This way, you can gauge the experiences of previous customers regarding product quality and customer service, helping you make an informed decision before proceeding with your purchase.
Review the Store’s Return and Refund Policies
Every country has different laws and regulations regarding returns, and these can also vary widely between online retailers. That’s why, before you finalize any purchase, it’s good to know the store’s return policy to avoid potential headaches if the product doesn’t meet your expectations or arrives damaged. Locate the return policy section on the store’s website. This is typically placed in the website footer, but it can also be found on the FAQ page or checkout page. Afterward, take note of the timeline for returns and other specific conditions, such as whether or not items must be unopened, unused, or in their original packaging. A good return policy will also state whether shipping costs are covered and if there are any restocking fees included.
It’s also wise to ask questions via customer support if you find the policies unclear. Furthermore, keep all receipts and shipping confirmations until you’re sure you’re satisfied with your purchase. Doing so ensures that you have the necessary documentation should you need or decide to return or exchange an item.
Pay Using a Credit Card
Using a credit card for international online purchases is one of the most practical and safest payment options available to shoppers. The primary advantage of this approach is convenience, as you can complete transactions quickly and easily without the need for cash or complicated bank transfers. Additionally, most credit cards come with robust security features that give you peace of mind while shopping online.
Take the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card by Maya, for example. The credit card comes with a dynamic CVV (Card Verification Value), which is a unique CVV code that is only valid for 24 hours, while a new number is generated every time the card details are accessed via the app. This security feature greatly reduces the risk of fraud because if your card’s details ever get stolen, the thief would only have access to the CVV for a short period since it expires after 24 hours. This makes it less useful for them to make unauthorized online transactions. That said, when doing cross-border shopping, using the card’s dynamic CVV instead of its permanent CVV (found on the back of the card) can be much safer, making the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card the best credit card for online shopping. To see your card’s dynamic CVV, simply log in to your Maya app and tap the card icon on your card dashboard.
Another reason that the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card is the best cashback credit card for online shopping is that it offers 1% cashback for most other purchases.* This means that you can earn more rewards each time you use this credit card, which can help boost your savings over time.
Select a Shipping Option That Suits Your Needs
When shopping online internationally, there are different types of shipping methods you can choose from, and each one comes with its unique set of benefits, costs, and delivery times. It’s essential that you select one that aligns with your needs, as it can impact your overall satisfaction with your purchase and shopping experience. As such, understanding the available options can help you make a more informed choice.
International postal shipping is often the most economical option for those looking to save on shipping fees. This service is typically offered by national or quasi-national postal entities, such as the United States Postal Service (USPS), Japan Post, Royal Mail, and Singapore Post. This shipping option involves sending packages through postal services, which can be an affordable choice both for light and bulky items. However, delivery times can vary greatly, sometimes taking several weeks, depending on the origin and destination
If you need a quicker shipping option, Express Mail Service (EMS) is a good alternative. EMS provides expedited shipping through the same postal systems, often delivering packages within a few days. While EMS is a great choice for time-sensitive purchases, it tends to be more expensive than standard postal options.
Another one you can consider, if offered by the merchant you’re buying from, is private couriers like DHL, FedEx, UPS, or Ninjavan. These companies specialize in international shipping and often provide the fastest delivery times available. However, this convenience comes at a cost, as their rates can be significantly higher than other shipping methods. If you're willing to invest in speed and reliability, however, private couriers can be an excellent choice.
Finally, package forwarders present a unique solution for international shopping, as these services allow you to purchase items from stores that may not ship to your country. You send your purchases to a package forwarder’s address, and they will consolidate and forward your items to you. This can be particularly useful for accessing products from multiple retailers or taking advantage of better shipping rates.
